There is a place within us called “the heart.” Jesus and the Psalmists talk a lot about it. Somehow, from within this place comes the substance of how we live. It seems to be like a fuel tank and a library and a spring of water. Whatever it is, it’s a big deal. Whoever or whatever controls it controls how we live.
Our hearts can be profoundly good and purposeful or they can be corrupted and produce evil. Jesus says things like, “out of our hearts, our mouths speak,” and “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” and “love the Lord your God with all your heart.”
Here’s a simple truth for today: pay attention to your inner life. We don’t just accidentally produce good things from this place called our “heart.” This takes some kind of decision and intention on our part to cultivate it and fill it with the right things, every day. When we just passively allow whatever comes our way to fill our hearts, we should not be surprised if the fruit of our lives isn’t the good stuff. Yet when we fill our hearts with the goodness of God, that place becomes the very wellspring of life not only for us, but for those around us.
God, today we pray, fill our hearts. Would you come illuminate our inner life, that we may know you more deeply. Help us see the specific ways we can fill our hearts with you. Would you produce from that place the good fruit of life – for your glory, for our good and for the good of those around us. Dwell in us, O God of the Universe, and let us love you with all that we are.
Amen
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Joel
Joel Searby
